Unsung heroes have been recognised for their clean-up efforts in a new awards scheme

Groups and individuals have gained prizes for work such as litter picking and promoting the environment.

The Environmental Hero awards were presented at a ceremony at Kearsney Abbey, Dover, last Saturday, the day before the end of this year's Great British Spring Clean.

Winners in the individual over-18s category were Augusta and Paul Pearson of Dover.

The couple are leading litter pickers in the town and the efforts of them and fellow volunteers are chronicled in the Facebook page Another Mess Cleaned Up in Dover.

They cover areas of central Dover such as Maison Dieu Road, Churchill Street, Granville Street, Charlton Green and the River Dour.

Jack Ailwood won as an individual aged under 18.

He tries to litter pick every week and educates his friends and family on how they can help the planet. Over the last year he raised over £1,000 for charities.

Winner in the businesses category was the Sunrise Café in Snargate Street, Dover.

It collects and uses surplus food from local supermarkets, so preventing waste as well as helping those in needed.

The café, part of the Dover Outreach Project for the homeless, opened last July and charges on a pay what you can afford basis.

Getting the community group award were the Dover Wombles.

These volunteers were nominated for their litter picks in the town, and their work to galvanise people plus fundraise, organise and implement a number of projects for the local area.

Winning in the school/educational section was Dover Technical College at Maison Dieu Road.

It had been nominated for a range of work to raise awareness, and to promote a cleaner and greener future. All curriculum departments have compiled a sustainability pledge.

There had been a total of 47 entries in the competition and candidates were judged on inspiration, achievement, and environmental impact.

The winners of each category have received a trophy and a £50 voucher.

The awards were organised by Dover District Council.

Cllr Martin Bates, cabinet member for regulatory services said: “These awards were a great way to recognise our local volunteers, community groups, schools and businesses, and celebrate all the work they do to help make our district a cleaner and greener place to live.”

People in Dover district had taken part in the Great British Spring Clean, filling a total 300 bags of rubbish when the target figure had been 200.

This is is a national litter picking campaign by Keep Britain Tidy, which this year ran from March 25 to April 10.

Its theme this year had been: "One bag makes a difference."

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